Policemen barred from seeking, accepting gifts

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) over the weekend reminded its 160, 000 personnel of the memorandum issued early this month reminding them not to make solicitations and accept gifts during the holiday season.

The memo, signed by Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario, the PNP directorial staff chief, said that Republic Act 6713 prohibits public officials and employees from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value.

Apolinario said in the memorandum that this law is applicable to any person performing acts in the course of their official duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction, that may be affected by the functions of the police personnel’s office.

He added in the memo that violations of the law will be dealt with accordingly by the PNP.

“PNP commanders are accountable for the actions of their personnel,” Apolinario said.